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Abstract
The potential of sublingual (s.l.) delivery of vaccine was examined in mice. We show
the existence of a dense network of dendritic cells (DCs) in the s.l. epithelium and
a rapid and transient increase in the frequency of s.l. DCs after topical application
of cholera toxin (CT) adjuvant under the tongue. S.l. immunization with ovalbumin
and CT induced vigorous systemic and mucosal antibody responses. Such treatment promoted
mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses and induced cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells in lung
tissues and in systemic lymphoid organs. S.l. immunization was comparable to intranasal
immunization and was superior to oral immunization regarding the magnitude and anatomic
dissemination of the induced immune responses. S.l. administration of live influenza
virus at a dose lethal by the nasal route was well tolerated and did not redirect
virus to the olfactory bulb. These features underscore the potential of the s.l. mucosa
to serve as an alternative vaccine delivery route.